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RD68

38

E03912

The most popular antennae for marine use are 1m (3ft 3in)
long.  On sail boats these are usually mounted on the mast-
head, where the length of the antenna keeps it clear from the
navigation lights and windvanes etc.  This type of antenna can
also be mounted on the cockpit roof or garage of power boats.

Longer whip antennae are recommended for larger boats -
these radiate the same total power as smaller antennae, but
concentrate it into a narrower beam, which is advantageous on
a tall mast at extreme range where concentrating the available
power into a narrow horizontal beam becomes more important.
However, if the antenna is not vertical when transmitting, the
beam will be angled either too high or too low (Fig 4.6) -

Here the wider beam of the shorter antenna will be more uni-
versally effective, although the signal will be weaker (Fig 4.7) -

Therefore vessels with a large heel angle (small sailboats)
would be better choosing a short masthead antenna.  Your local
agent should be able to provide specific advice on antenna
choice for the vessel it is to be fitted to.

WARNING

The antenna coaxial cable and any connectors used must be 
rated at 50

.  Under no circumstances should standard domestic TV

cable and connectors be used. Incorrectly rated cabling and con-
nectors could result in power not reaching the antenna, but
also power could be reflected back into the radio, damaging it
in the process.

Fig 4.7 - Effect of heel on range of  1m  marine antenna

Fig 4.6- Effect of heel on range of  longer whip antenna

All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

Summary of Contents for Simrad RD68

Page 1: ...Manual Simrad RD68 Fixed DSC VHF Radio All manuals and user guides at all guides com a l l g u i d e s c o m ...

Page 2: ...ns without notice as part of our policy of continuous development and improvement No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form electronic or otherwise without prior permission from Simrad Navico Ltd No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in the publication although every care has been taken to make it as com plete and...

Page 3: ...annel select 22 2 13 1 Programming user channel 22 2 14 Viewing call log 23 3 MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS 3 1 Adjusting LCD contrast 24 3 2 Entering manual position time 25 3 3 Entering local time 27 3 4 Viewing the directory 28 3 4 1 Adding entry to directory 29 3 4 2 Editing deleting entry 30 3 5 Disabling key beep 32 3 6 Second channel mode 33 3 7 Speaker mute handset models only 33 4 INSTALLATION ...

Page 4: ...tly constructed using a pressure die cast alu minium case for effective heat dissipation ensuring maximum transmission performance even after many hours constant use Thank you for choosing Simrad If you are pleased with your VHF we hope you will be interest ed in our range of marine electronic equipment which is man ufactured to the same high standards as the RD68 Please con tact your nearest Simr...

Page 5: ...te of Competence and Authority to Operate This involves a simple examination and an annual license renewal fee The VHF only certificate is administered by the Royal Yachting Association Royal Yachting Association RYA House Romsey Road Eastleigh Hants SO5 4YA Holders of the Restricted Certificate of Competence in Radio telephony which covers MF HF SSB etc do not need a sepa rate VHF certificate In ...

Page 6: ...ed and the new owner s MMSI number entered For European leisure vessels fitted with VHF DSC equipment a CEPT Short Range Certificate is required by the operator Additional requirements such as GOC or ROC may apply to operators on commercial vessels Please enquire with your local licensing authority for full details To enter the vessel s MMSI number RD68 6 E03912 1 2 4 3 Rad M Me en nu u 52o 16N 00...

Page 7: ...unit must be returned to an autho rised Simrad Dealer to erase the existing number The Group ID MMSI number can also be entered here unlike the vessel MMSI number this can be changed later Instruction Manual 7 E03912 1 2 4 4 DSC M MM MS SI I Dir More 1 2 4 4 Ships MMSI Group MMSI 000000000 DSC 1 2 4 4 Ships MMSI 002325___ DSC 52o 16N 001o 23E Rx Enter the MMSI num ber using the keypad Press E to e...

Page 8: ...hese modes are toggled by pressing the top softkey labelled DSC or Rad At any stage of the DSC Mode menu structure pressing the DSC softkey will return to the DSC Mode main menu At any stage of the DSC Mode menu structure pressing the C key will cancel any unconfirmed action or step back one level in the menu structure Some menu options will only be displayed if the relevant infor mation is availa...

Page 9: ...l NOTE To select channels the RD68 will need to be in Radio Mode If in DSC mode press the Rad softkey before entering the channel number INT Hi L Li it te e Rx 1 2 4 0 DSC T W M S Scan INT Hi Lite Rx 1 2 4 0 Pvt Wx Aux Aux INT Hi Lite Rx 1 2 4 1 DSC T W M S Scan If channel selection is not confirmed within 2 seconds by pressing E the radio will revert to the original channel All manuals and user g...

Page 10: ...adio INT Hi Lite Rx 1 2 4 1 Pvt Wx Aux Aux INT Hi Lite Rx 1 2 4 1 P Pv vt t Wx Aux Aux 1 2 4 2 Select private channel Select auxiliary channel press E INT Hi Lite Rx Pvt W Wx x Aux Aux 1 2 4 2 INT Hi Lite Rx Pvt Wx A Au ux x A Au ux x Select weather channel All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

Page 11: ...C T W M S Scan 1 2 4 2 DSC T W M S Scan INT L Lo o Lite Rx INT H Hi i Lite Rx NOTE Regulations restrict some channels such as 15 and 17 to low power only in which case this key will have no effect 2 6 Making a DSC call Press the DSC softkey to enter DSC Mode 1 2 4 3 D DS SC C T W M S Scan INT Hi Lite Rx continued on next page All manuals and user guides at all guides com a l l g u i d e s c o m ...

Page 12: ... 99 9 Rx Type Ch06 Send T Ty yp pe e Dir Ch26 Send Select call type and press Send to transmit 1 2 4 3 R Ro ou ut ti in ne e t to o ________ Rx 1 2 4 3 R Ro ou ut ti in ne e t to o 002325567 On Ch26 Press E to send Use keypad to type in MMSI number and press E then Send Manual MMSI entry Press Type to scroll through the different types of call Only displayed if a group MMSI number has been entered...

Page 13: ...calibur Rx Type Dir C Ch h2 26 6 Send Press Dir to scroll through directory entries Press Send to transmit to selected destination Press ChXX key to specify voice channel Only Routine Safety and Group calls allow voice channel to be specified simplex only Urgency and Distress calls are set to Ch16 1 2 4 3 R Ro ou ut ti in ne e t to o Hbrmaster On Ch26 Press E to send 1 2 4 3 Waiting for acknowledg...

Page 14: ...ress button is located under a protective cover that must be slid back before the button can be pressed Press the Distress button to access the distress alert screen 1 2 4 6 Distress Alert 52o 16N 001o 23E 12 46 UTC Undefined M O B Fire Flooding Collision Grounding Listing Sinking Adrift continued on next page Press to scroll through distress categories Piracy 1 2 4 6 Distress Alert 52o 16N 001o 2...

Page 15: ...ntered manually refer to section 3 2 for more details After the Distress Alert has been sent the RD68 will tune to channel 16 and will automatically repeat the Alert approxi mately every four minutes until either an acknowledgement is received or C is pressed it is not recommended that the Distress Alert is cancelled manually by pressing C unless you are requested to do so by the rescue authoritie...

Page 16: ...utine Stop From 987654321 Ch06 1 2 4 8 Individual A Ac ck k Routine Stop From Excalibur Ch06 1 2 4 8 All Ships O OK K Safety Stop From 987654321 Ch16 1 2 4 8 All Ships O OK K Urgency Stop From 987654321 Ch16 1 2 5 0 Group call O OK K Routine Stop From Excalibur Ch06 Individual Routine call Individual Routine call from MMSI stored in directory All Ships Safety Call All Ships Urgency Call Group Call...

Page 17: ...D W or C to exit dual watch DSC functions can still be accessed by pressing DSC but sending a DSC call will automatically cancel dual watch 1 2 5 2 DSC T W M S Scan 1 2 5 2 DSC INT Hi C Ch h1 16 6 D D W W 1 2 5 2 DSC INT Hi C Ch h1 16 6 D D W W INT Hi Lite Rx The RD68 will monitor the working channel and the priority channel sequentially Press the D W key 1 2 5 2 DSC T W M S Scan Select a working ...

Page 18: ...NT Hi C Ch h1 16 6 T T W W 1 2 5 3 DSC Adv INT Hi C Ch h1 16 6 T T W W 1 2 5 3 DSC Adv INT Hi C Ch h1 16 6 T T W W INT Hi Lite Rx Select a working channel and press the T W key DSC T T W W M S Scan 1 2 5 4 DSC A Ad dv v INT Hi C Ch h1 16 6 T T W W Pressing Adv will manually advance the scan onto the next channel in the sequence NOTE As with dual watch normal VHF functions will not be available whe...

Page 19: ... exit scan mode press C or 16 2 11 1 Inhibit enable channel from scan In some areas the scan function may repeatedly lock on a chan nel at each cycle for example if it is transmitting a carrier signal Rather than press Adv each cycle selected channels may be inhibited or removed from the scan cycle 1 While in scan mode 2 In VHF mode 1 2 5 5 DSC I In nh h Adv INT S Sc ca an n I In nh h Scan 1 2 5 5...

Page 20: ...cle sequentially through the channels but only those which have been pre selected refer to the next subsection 2 12 1 for more information on preselecting memory scan channels 1 2 5 5 DSC T W M M S S Scan INT Hi Lite Rx 1 2 5 6 DSC Adv Del INT Hi Lite M M S S Press Adv to manually advance to the next channel in the memory scan sequence NOTE While in memory scan mode normal VHF functions are not av...

Page 21: ...de 1 2 5 7 DSC Adv D De el l INT M M S S D De el l M S 1 2 5 7 DSC T W M M S S Scan INT M M S S D De el l Rx Press and hold Select channel to be deleted then press and hold M S double beep 1 2 5 7 DSC T W M M S S Scan INT M M S S S Se el l Rx Press and hold Press and hold M S double beep To delete a pre selected channel from the memory scan cycle All manuals and user guides at all guides com a l l...

Page 22: ...nnel is a programmable priority channel which is accessed by pressing 16 twice 1 2 5 7 DSC T W M S Scan Press 16 twice INT Hi Lite Rx 2 13 1 Programming user channel 1 2 5 8 DSC T W M S Scan INT Hi U Us se er r Rx 1 2 5 8 DSC T T W W M S Scan INT Hi Lite Rx 1 2 5 8 DSC T W M S Scan INT U Us se er r S Se el l M S Select the required channel Press and hold T W double beep Press and hold All manuals ...

Page 23: ...2 5 8 52o 16N 001o 23E Rx 1 2 5 8 DSC B Ba ac ck k Individual Routine From 987654321 1 2 5 9 DSC B Ba ac ck k Next All Ships Safety From 987654321 Rad Call L Lo og g Menu 1 2 5 9 DSC Back Next Distress Alert From 987654321 1 2 5 9 DSC Back Next Sinking 23o o 47 N 001o o 35 E 12 50 UTC The most recent call is shown first Press to view any extra information All manuals and user guides at all guides ...

Page 24: ... 3 0 0 52o 16N 001o 23E Rx 1 3 0 0 DSC L LC CD D Posn More 1 3 0 0 DSC Rad Call Log M Me en nu u Press and keys to adjust contrast Max 7 Min 8 Press DSC to return to main menu or C to cancel 52o 16N 001o 23E Rx Contrast 2 Rx All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

Page 25: ... entered No position available Rx DSC LCD P Po os sn n More DSC P Po os sn n UTC 99o 99 999o 99 88 88 UTC Rad Call Log M Me en nu u DSC UTC o o 88 88 UTC 1 3 0 2 N N S 52o 16 o 88 88 UTC If no GPS information is being received the clock is not shown and the display shows No position available Enter Lat and Long using the keypad Press N or S for Latitude No position available Rx continued on next p...

Page 26: ...osn 52o 16N 001o 23E 13 02 UTC 52o 16N 001o 23E UTC 52o 16N 001o 23 88 88 UTC E E W Press E or W for Longitude reference from meridian Press E enter key to confirm position and select time Enter UTC time 24 hour format using keypad and press E to confirm DSC Posn UTC 52o 16N 001o 23E 13 02 UTC Rad P Po os sn n POSITION IS OVER 4 HOURS OLD If this option is used the RD68 will request that the posit...

Page 27: ... time if required 52o 16N 150o 23E Rx DSC LCD Posn M Mo or re e Rad Call Log M Me en nu u 52o 16N 150o 23E Rx 52o 16N 150o 23E Rx DSC Beep T Ti im me e DSC MMSI Dir M Mo or re e 52o 16N 150o 23E Rx 1 3 0 3 1 3 0 3 1 3 0 3 1 3 0 3 DSC 1 3 0 3 Use arrowed keys to adjust to local time and press DSC to return to main menu continued on next page Adjust local time Rx All manuals and user guides at all g...

Page 28: ...d Call Log M Me en nu u 1 8 0 3 Display will now show local time The main directory screen shows the num ber of directory entries 52o 16N 150o 23E Rx DSC LCD Posn M Mo or re e Rad Call Log M Me en nu u 52o 16N 150o 23E Rx 52o 16N 150o 23E Rx DSC V Vi ie ew w Add DSC MMSI D Di ir r More Directory Used 04 16 1 8 0 3 1 8 0 4 1 8 0 4 1 8 0 4 continued on next page All manuals and user guides at all gu...

Page 29: ...it Directory 02 Saucy Sue 002320588 1 8 0 4 1 8 0 4 Enter name using keypad 10 chars max Press E to confirm name entered Enter MMSI number Press E to save entry to directory DSC View A Ad dd d Directory Used 04 16 1 8 0 5 DSC Name _________ 1 8 0 5 DSC Name Sea Mist MMSI ________ 1 8 0 6 All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

Page 30: ... Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC Del DSC Next E Ed di it t Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 1 8 0 6 1 8 0 6 DSC Name Ba _______ MMSI 002321167 1 8 0 6 DSC Name Excalibur MMSI 00 ______ 1 8 0 6 Re enter the MMSI using the keypad Press E to enter Edit MMSI Number Re enter the name using the keypad Press E to enter Edit Name All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

Page 31: ...w Add Directory Used 05 16 1 8 0 6 Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 DSC D De el l DSC Next E Ed di it t Directory 01 Excalibur 002321167 1 8 0 7 1 8 0 7 DSC No Y Ye es s Directory Delete Excalibur 002321167 1 8 0 7 All manuals and user guides at all guides com a l l g u i d e s c o m ...

Page 32: ...SC MMSI Dir M Mo or re e 52o 16N 150o 23E Rx 1 8 0 7 1 8 0 7 1 8 0 7 1 8 0 7 To re enable the key beep repeat the above key sequence NOTE This will disable the key beep on all first level functions Second level functions which are accessed by pressing and holding a key eg setting the user channel or adding a channel to the memory scan cycle will still be audibly confirmed by a double beep this can...

Page 33: ...if it is switched off 3 7 Speaker mute handset models only On radios fitted with a handset lifting the handset from the cradle will normally mute the loudspeaker However this can be disabled so that the loudspeaker will remain on when the handset is lifted and incoming transmissions will be heard both in the handset earpiece and the loudspeaker Radio switched off Turn radio on 1 8 0 7 DSC T W M S ...

Page 34: ...t as a heatsink to dissipate heat generated by the set when in use which maintains the high efficiency of the radio The free circulation of air is essen tial if mounting the radio in an enclosed space ensure that the space is vented The VHF is supplied with a reversible mounting bracket This can be used to mount the VHF on the chart table or on an over head bulkhead Fig 4 1 The bracket is fixed in...

Page 35: ...gle of the radio can be adjusted by slackening the clamp 1 Fit locating peg left side into hole in bracket 2 Slide locking clamp right into slot in bracket 3 Tighten clamp Fig 43 Fixing VHF to bracket 1 2 3 An alternative mounting method is to use the flush mounting kit FMB1000BK supplied separately This allows the radio to be neatly installed inside a bulkhead so that only the fascia of the radio...

Page 36: ...very little current when receiving a heavier current is drawn when transmitting which may result in a voltage drop if long cable runs of inadequate core diameter are used If the supplied power lead is not long enough an extension of up to 3m 10 ft can be made using at least 2 5mm2 13AWG wire The red wire is positive and black is negative If polarity is accidentally reversed the set is protected bu...

Page 37: ...connected to the 0v terminal of the navigator The extension speaker socket takes a standard 3 5mm jack plug The speaker used must have a minimum impedance of 8Ω 4 2 Antenna installation recommendations The most important factor in the performance of the radio will be the quality and positioning of the antenna Most recorded problems with VHF radios are related to poor antenna siting faulty cabling ...

Page 38: ...ill be angled either too high or too low Fig 4 6 Here the wider beam of the shorter antenna will be more uni versally effective although the signal will be weaker Fig 4 7 Therefore vessels with a large heel angle small sailboats would be better choosing a short masthead antenna Your local agent should be able to provide specific advice on antenna choice for the vessel it is to be fitted to WARNING...

Page 39: ...mage to the radio the antenna should be checked immediately for any damage or poor connec tion 4 3 Electrical interference suppression Interference generated by the alternator of the engine may occasionally cause problems The RD68 has been designed to minimise the effects of outside interference However precau tions should still be taken route the power supply and anten na cables away from the eng...

Page 40: ...sel is not in grave and imminent danger an All Ships Urgency call followed by a spoken Pan Pan call or a routine call to the nearest coastguard station may be more appropriate It is a prosecutable offense to initiate a Distress Alert call for any other reason than that the vessel and or crew is in imminent danger Acknowledging and relaying a distress alert When a DSC distress alert is received an ...

Page 41: ... or called station repeated three times This is MMSI and name or callsign of own vessel Repeat text of safety message Calling a coast radio station Enter the MMSI of the station into the RD68 either manually or from the directory When the call is acknowledged the working channel for voice communication will be indicated and the RD68 will automatically switch to that channel Make a voice call as no...

Page 42: ...smission power is used Therefore the typical ship to ship range of a fixed VHF radio such as the RD68 with a masthead antenna will be approxi mately 20 Km 12 miles This will increase as height above sea level increases or if the other radio user s antenna is at a greater height note that the range between the yacht with the antenna mounted on a 9 M 30 Ft mast and the shore station increases to 46 ...

Page 43: ...ls NOTE Ch 0 will only be made available in the UK to Coastguard users with written authorisation Channel 70 is the designated Digital Selected Calling DSC channel and may not be used for voice transmissions All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

Page 44: ...se channels in your region Will not transmit Scanning or D W function active Exit D W or Scan Will not transmit on 25W Low voltage when full transmit Check power supply but OK on 1W ting current is drawn Some channels are restricted to Consult your national low power transmission only authority Transmissions persistently Damaged antenna Replace antenna weak display flashes Antenna cable broken Rep...

Page 45: ...es The following accessories are available from your nearest Simrad agent Please quote the correct part number when ordering FMB1000BK Flush Mount Kit THS4 SIM Spare telephone handset FTM5 SIM Spare fistmike All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

Page 46: ...nel programming etc Transmit Frequency Range 155 163Mhz Power Output 1 watt or 25 watts Current Consumption 5 5A 25 watts 1 3A 1 watt Harmonic and Spurious Emissions 0 25µW Hum Noise 40dB Modulation 5kHz Receive Audio Output Power 6 watts Current Consumption 600mA Full Volume illumination on 220mA Fully Squelched illumination off Sensitivity 0 5µV emf for 20 dB SINAD Harmonic and Spurious Emission...

Page 47: ...3912 185mm 7 4in 158mm 6 2in 66mm 2 6in 22mm 0 9in 47mm 1 8in 55mm 2 2in 79mm 3 1in 213mm 8 4in 54mm 2 2in 70mm 2 8in 5 7 Dimensions RD68 Unit FTM5 Fistmike THS4 Telephone handset All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

Page 48: ...TON The unit is guaranteed for 2 years from date of retail sale If it is necessary to have the unit repaired return it carriage prepaid to the agent in the country of purchase with a copy of the receipted invoice showing the date of purchase Where possi ble return all the components unless you are certain that you have located the source of the fault If the original box is not available ensure tha...

Page 49: ...All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

Page 50: ...All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

Page 51: ...All manuals and user guides at all guides com a l l g u i d e s c o m ...

Page 52: ...ate Kent CT9 4NP United Kingdom Telephone 44 0 1843 290290 Telefax 44 0 1843 290471 E Mail sales simrad navico co uk W O R L D W I D E M A N U F A C T U R E R O F M A R I N E E L E C T R O N I C S All manuals and user guides at all guides com ...

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